Alderman Matt Sears began the discussion with concerns that data would be available outside law enforcement or abused in some way, adding 'big brother' type of surveillance due to hacking or the sale of said data to other entities.
It was noted that if a person isn't doing anything wrong, they shouldn't have to worry, right? Yes, technically. However, like most anything in the digital age, it can be abused as we have seen in other arenas which naturally might cause worry for some, as stated.
City Administrator Ryan Wescote quickly pointed out the system is very secure; data is only kept for 30 days before being 'wiped' and would only be shared if the city wants to share it- his sentiments were echoed by several members of law enforcement present including Sheriff Chad Anderson, officer Brian Bearce and Adrian police chief Chis Dillon.
Wescote reinforced his stance on the Flock cameras by saying they only read and record license plate numbers; then and only then, would police look at the footage and run the license plate to see if that vehicle/owner have any open violations. Which, by the way recently indicated the presence of several registered sex offenders as well as leading to an arrest regarding a stolen vehicle in Adrian.
It was also noted that the cameras storing license plate information is no different than if a police officer actually sees it, or if an individual witness reports a vehicle and license number to authorities- according to those present, 'probable cause' for a violation, whether directly by police or after the fact due to camera footage, remains the same.
Alderman Bridges cited concerns that he and some other aldermen weren't aware the city was getting cameras until after they were installed. Wescote apologized for any miscommunication but said it was an operational decision to simplify and enhance police operations.
Wescote went on to say that Flock cameras were instrumental in catching suspects in Michigan who were wanted in connection to an ATM robbery in Adrian some time back and that the cameras have proven to be "the best investigative tool ever invented". Sheriff Anderson also said that for some time, the Sheriff's Office has been using the same technology mounted on their patrol units and it has led to many arrests without impeding on the rights of the public.
In short, following the 45 minute or so discussion, it appeared all questions and concerns regarding the cameras had been answered to the satisfaction of the aldermen.
Another hot topic was financial help requested by the Adrian school, as in a previous aldermen session the board was asked by the school if the city would consider chipping in money needed to relocate a sewer main required for the project as a mistake was made in the engineering/planning stages. In short, that $47,000 mistake among others, has left the school at a deficit in completing the project as originally planned.
The question came as the city had already budgeted $20,000 for relining the existing sewer main; so if the main is going to be moved, the question was posed "would the city instead put that money toward helping the school offset their cost" which was met by opposition primarily by Alderman Jeremy Bridges, along with Administrator Wescote.
Both Bridges and Wescote concur that the school and the city have their own budgets funded by taxes for operation of each and while the city wishes to help the school as much as possible, the city shouldn't be 'on the hook' for a mistake made in engineering on a school project. And when it comes to supporting the school, it was pointed out that the city already makes contributions to the school including the waiving of fees for use use of ball fields at the city park, among others.
As no conclusion was reached, the discussion has been tabled pending a meeting with school Superintendent Don Lile to talk over further; the outcome of which likely will be revealed in the January aldermen meeting.
The city of Adrian is facing the ever increasing rise in health insurance costs and to keep the same coverage as last year, it would cost about 22% more, necessitating a look at policy changes. Following a thorough review of options, it was decided to go with a plan that only brought a 9% increase with a trade off being a higher deductible that the city will help cover for employees.
Northern Commissioner John Gray and Butler business owner Marsha Youngblood spoke with the alderman seeking volunteer support for The Wall That Heals, a Vietnam War memorial set to come to Bates County April 30, 2026. Bringing the memorial to Bates county will be a major undertaking and the aldermen pledged the city's support in any way possible.
Remember, the Adrian board of aldermen meet on the second Tuesday, 7 pm at city hall and the public is highly encouraged to attend.
